focus on health
::: for him :::
A Drop
TOO MANY
Alcohol ads remind you to "drink
responsibly," but they never tell you
what responsible consumption looks
like in the long term.
KNOWING YOUR LIMIT goes beyond setting a
threshold at which you plan to stop drinking; it
means living a healthy lifestyle by practicing longterm moderation.
Defining 'Moderation'
Based on average weight and metabolism, men
should consume no more than two drinks a day. A drink
consists of 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5
ounces of 80-proof spirits — each of which averages
between 100 and 150 calories.
Supporting the type of moderation that remains
just within these limits each day can present a problem
because regular drinking, even in moderation, increases
the probability of alcohol-seeking behavior. When
individuals use alcohol — no matter how moderately —
they increase their risk of developing alcohol dependence.
Better Off as a 'Lightweight'
Although some guys may brag about being able
to "hold their liquor," you're actually better off as
a "lightweight." With continued drinking comes
psychological and physical adaptation to increased
consumption, leading to greater risk for alcoholism.
In short, responsible drinking requires avoiding
risks of alcoholism. Even moderate drinking, while not
problematic in single instances, can be irresponsible if
it increases the desire for larger amounts of alcohol.
TO FIND A PHYSICIAN NEAR YOU, CALL 1-888-321-DOCS.
Part of your job as a father is to pass on
important skills and life lessons to your
children. But dads sometimes neglect
the job when it comes to being a role
model for good health. Are you teaching
your kids to mimic your bad habits?
Up and At 'Em
According to the American Academy of Child and
Adolescent Psychiatry, a child with one obese parent
has a 50 percent chance of becoming obese. With
childhood obesity on the rise, the first step in modeling
healthy behavior is to encourage an active lifestyle.
Physical activity comes in many shapes and sizes,
and it may be as simple as taking a walk around the
neighborhood after dinner. The best way to teach
physical activity is to swap sedentary habits for active
ones. Whatever activity you choose, make it fun, and
get the whole family involved.
Eating by Example
Dads also play a big role in shaping their children's
eating habits. Implement a few of these tips so you can
be a healthy role model:
• Eliminate foods that are high in saturated fat,
sugar or salt from your grocery list.
• Don't skip breakfast.
• Ditch soda. Drink water or low-fat milk.
• Plan well-balanced meals that include fruits,
vegetables, whole grains and dairy.
• Limit snacking.
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